Share the Light

Photography by LORI SPARKMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Fellow Arkansans – neighbors, colleagues and friends – are sharing a light of peace, kindness and generosity that makes The Natural State a little brighter. Inviting Arkansas and Methodist Family Health celebrate individuals who illuminate our community with goodness. Nominate someone today for a future feature that SHINES.

“Community is everything to me. I’m not from Arkansas. My family chose to move here and, truth be told, I fought it at the very beginning. However, my sentiments quickly changed, all because of this warm community that embraced me and what I was trying to accomplish.”

Kevin Shalin, renowned for The Mighty Rib blog, believes good food helps build community. “It’s a little cliché, but it’s true. I’ve seen it time and time again.” His devotion to the culinary scene in Central Arkansas is steadfast, and he loves how it brings people together in fellowship.

“I’ve lived in two big cities, Houston and Boston, and for its size, Little Rock truly is something special.” For more than a decade, Kevin has collaborated with proprietors to showcase these unique and authentic offerings. “At its core, motivating people to support businesses is why I do what I do.”

The heart of The Mighty Rib is true… Kevin is quick to note, “The Mighty Rib is not a business. It has never been monetized and generates no money. It started as a passion project, but it is now a HUGE part of my life.” As popularity for The Mighty Rib continues to impress him, Kevin utilizes the platform as a public service – cultivating opportunities for people to connect through meaningful dining experiences. “Food is the great unifier. People who have almost nothing in common can bond over a delicious meal.”

For more than a decade, Kevin’s life work – in addition to dad duties – remains unwavering. He is an ardent advocate for the shop + dine local initiative and realizes there’s more to accomplish. Through an innovative partnership with the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, The Mighty Rib provides Facebook posts to patrons < restaurants and individuals > who contribute to the organization. “Basically, I ‘sell’ ads and write a post on my page.” This year, the campaign generated 54 percent more proceeds. “I am behind the mission of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. Their passion fuels my desire to further their mission.”

Any encounter with Kevin reveals an authenticity and devotion for the Natural State that is steadfast. He believes in the power of community and recognizes that food plays an important part in our history, culture and future. And he makes it seem so simple – like a delicious Arkansas praline, but not. “I take what I do very seriously, but if you follow the blog, you also know I enjoy having a good time, cracking jokes, poking fun, even at myself. Mostly at myself. I never, ever take the bond I have with this community for granted. It means everything to me.”